Alberta is looking to invest an additional $24 million per year over the next three years to create 3,200 apprenticeship seats at 11 post-secondary institutions across the province. (Photo 113995223 © Visivasnc | Dreamstime.com)

By Christian Oldale

Provincial Politics

Alberta investing to expand opportunities in trades in Budget 2024

Feb 23, 2024 | 1:06 PM

The province is looking to expand work in the trades.

Alberta is looking to invest an additional $24 million per year over the next three years to create 3,200 apprenticeship seats at 11 post-secondary institutions across the province.

The funding would be implemented as part of Budget 2024 if passed. With the funding, the province’s Apprenticeship Learning Grant for the 2024-25 academic year would be brought up to a total of $78 million. The previous year, the province provided $54 million to post-secondary schools with the program.

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education said, “When students join the skilled trades, they are entering well-paying jobs and starting a bright future in our province.”

Sawhney added, “Investing in apprenticeship education will supply Albertans with in-demand skills, nurture homegrown talent and support our labour market with world-class skilled tradespeople who keep our economy moving.”

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The province says the investment comes as the demand for skilled workers in Alberta increases. The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum estimates that Canada will face a gap of more than 60,000 registered apprentices by 2025.

In the last 12 months, more than 24,000 apprentices are registered in Alberta.